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“There are always opportunities for growth because there are so many unique perspectives brought to the table. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, there have been moments where my voice was put at the center of a team meeting because it mattered.”

Ren Pelley
HEART Manager and Peer Specialist

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1960s

Family Service of Burlington County

The Beginning

A small group of volunteers in Moorestown, New Jersey, created Family Service of Burlington County to provide counseling and emergency intervention to adults, children and families. Working from donated space, volunteers made support available around the clock to people who had nowhere else to turn.

1970s–2011

Building a Network of Care

Expanding to Meet Community Needs

As community needs changed, Family Service continued to grow. By 2011, the organization offered 65 behavioral health programs across nine counties in southern and central New Jersey.

2012

Family Service and Steininger Behavioral Care Services

Becoming Twin Oaks Community Services

Family Service merged with Steininger Behavioral Care Services to form Twin Oaks Community Services.

The new name reflected the strength of the oak tree: deeply rooted in the community, continually growing and reaching outward through many branches of service. Within three years, Twin Oaks expanded to more than 120 programs, including outpatient care, housing, residential programs, food assistance, case management and community-based support.

2015

Twin Oaks and Greater Trenton Behavioral HealthCare

Oaks Integrated Care Is Formed

Twin Oaks Community Services merged with Greater Trenton Behavioral HealthCare to become Oaks Integrated Care.

The merger expanded services in Mercer County and strengthened the organization’s focus on integrated care—supporting the emotional, physical and social needs that contribute to a person’s overall well-being.

2016

Preferred Behavioral Health Group

Strengthening Our Reach

Preferred Behavioral Health Group joined the Oaks family as an affiliate, expanding access to services in Monmouth and Ocean counties while continuing to operate as an independent organization.

2021

COPE Center

Growing in North Jersey

Oaks Integrated Care merged with COPE Center, a behavioral health organization serving Essex County. The partnership expanded Oaks’ reach in North Jersey and brought together two organizations committed to supporting individuals and families facing some of life’s greatest challenges.

2025

Association for Advancement of Mental Health (AAMH)

Expanding Care in Princeton

Oaks Integrated Care merged with the Association for Advancement of Mental Health (AAMH), a Princeton-based behavioral health organization serving the greater Mercer County community. The merger expanded behavioral health services for children, adolescents, adults and seniors.

Testimonials

Care That Speaks for Itself

Hear from families, professionals, and team members who’ve experienced the Encore Life Care difference firsthand.

Five Stars

The Encore Life Care team was an enormous source of support for our family when our mother began declining at age 75 from the devastating effects of Parkinson’s disease.

Kate Kelliher

Takoma Park, MD

Five Stars

My brother and I couldn’t be more grateful for the compassionate care my father received. Without their guidance, navigating the aging process would have been overwhelming.

Sam S.

NW Washington, DC

Five Stars

My mother needed in-home care and their guidance truly helped us. They listened, offered options and got us through some tough times. I’ll be forever grateful.

Tony Gray

Bethesda, MD

Transitioning to Adulthood: Challenges and Opportunities

Transitioning to Adulthood: Challenges and Opportunities

March 27, 2024

This year’s National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month theme is “A World of Opportunities” — a time to celebrate people and work together to remove obstacles. … Read more

Silencing the Inner Critic: Strategies for Positive Self-Talk

Silencing the Inner Critic: Strategies for Positive Self-Talk

March 6, 2024

We all have that little voice inside our heads—the one that’s quick to criticize, doubt, and undermine our confidence. This inner critic can be relentless, … Read more

Tackling the Unique Mental Health Challenges of Gen Z

Tackling the Unique Mental Health Challenges of Gen Z

February 27, 2024

Generation Z, those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, face unique mental health challenges growing up in an era of interconnectedness. The complexities of … Read more

The Power of Connection: Building Healthy Relationships for Mental Wellness

The Power of Connection: Building Healthy Relationships for Mental Wellness

February 21, 2024

In today’s digitally driven world and shrinking attention span, it’s easy to lose sight of the profound impact that human connection has on our mental … Read more

Honoring Black Mental Health Trailblazers: Their Legacy and Impact

Honoring Black Mental Health Trailblazers: Their Legacy and Impact

February 15, 2024

Throughout history, Black individuals have made significant contributions to the field of mental health, challenging stigma, advocating for equitable access to care, and pioneering innovative … Read more

In Loving Memory of Brenda Brown-Goggins

In Loving Memory of Brenda Brown-Goggins

February 12, 2024

Last week, Oaks Integrated Care suffered an unimaginable loss with the unexpected passing of Brenda Brown-Goggins, Chief of Quality and Healthcare Integration. Brenda served Oaks … Read more

Three Steps to Help Prevent Suicide

Three Steps to Help Prevent Suicide

February 6, 2024

We can all save lives. Suicide prevention is a critical issue that requires a proactive and compassionate approach. As an organization committed to mental health … Read more

Montclair Township and Local Organizations Awarded Grants

Montclair Township and Local Organizations Awarded Grants

February 6, 2024

Feb. 6, 2024 | TAPinto Montclair (MONTCLAIR, NJ) – Montclair Township and several other local community organizations are set to receive federal funding as part of … Read more

How to Recognize the Signs of a Substance Use Disorder

How to Recognize the Signs of a Substance Use Disorder

January 29, 2024

Substance use disorders (SUDs) can affect individuals from all walks of life, and recognizing the signs is crucial for early intervention and support. Let’s explore … Read more

New Jersey Enhancing Emergency Services Programs for Individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities

New Jersey Enhancing Emergency Services Programs for Individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities

January 21, 2024

Jan. 4, 2024 | NJ Insider (TRENTON) – New Jersey Human Services is enhancing the statewide emergency services programs that support adults with intellectual and developmental … Read more

Behind the Smile–The Struggles of High-Functioning Anxiety

Behind the Smile–The Struggles of High-Functioning Anxiety

January 21, 2024

Smiles can be deceiving. Behind a calm exterior, exciting social media feed, and the seemingly have-it-all-going-for-them exterior, these individuals might be grappling with high-functioning anxiety. … Read more

Navigating Holiday Festivities with Substance Use Challenges

Navigating Holiday Festivities with Substance Use Challenges

December 7, 2023

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness for many. However, for individuals living with substance use disorder (SUD), this time of … Read more

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How to Know When It’s Time to Seek Mental Health Support

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